I don't know about you, but I just absolutely hate it when someone bad mouths a friend of mine. It makes me angry and my first instinct is to kick in the teeth of the guy who insults my pal. My pal in this case is the Atlanta Thrashers. Yeah I know, they had a horrible year last year, but they are far from being so freaking awful that no one wants to play with them. So Boyle and Campbell, this blog is for you.
During the 2006- 2007 NHL Season, the Philadelphia Flyers played 82 games. They only won 22 of them. They lost 48 of them and lost in overtime 12 times. That season they only brought in 56 points total. They were 15th in the Eastern Conference, dead last. They were 30th in the NHL, dead last.
So after this horrible season, did they call it quits, give up, start training for the ice capades?? NO. At the trade deadline in 2007, the Flyers acquired Scottie Upshall, Ryan Parent, Braydon Coburn, and Marty Biron. Then in the off season they added Kimmo Timonen, Scott Hartnell, Joffrey Lupul, Jason Smith, and Danny Briere.
In the 2007-2008 Season, the Flyers finished 6th in the Eastern Conference with 42 wins, 29 losses, 11 over time losses with 95 points. They were 11th overall in the NHL. Not only did they come that far, they took out Washington in Round 1 and Montreal in Round 2 to get to the Eastern Conference finals only to be knocked out by Pittsburgh.
That is a mighty good turn around. So why is it automatically assumed that the Thrashers aren't going to be able to do it?
After going 0-6 to start the season last year the Thrashers battled back and hung at or around .500 for the majority of the season, until the trade deadline. I do believe that everything with Hossa really screwed the team. The media frenzy, him dogging it all season. Hossa never wanted to be a Thrasher, it was something he was forced in to, tricked if you will. He never made the best of it, if he would have played like he was capable of, who knows how the season may have turned out. He was a negativity in the locker room, even if he wasn't meaning to be. The players knew, the fans knew, it was just a matter of time before he was gone. Though honestly he was gone a lot sooner than February. I can't say I blame the guy for wanting a Cup. That is the goal, but you still need to give it your all night ater night for the team you are with, honestly he checked out during the 2007 playoffs.
Yes I know Don Waddell didn't sign anyone on the first day of free agency, big whoop. He tried. He can't help that these players are so blinded by money and wanting to be in a traditional market that they do not want to give Atlanta a chance. I mean, did we really want Campbell? Yes he is a great defensemen, but he seemed to choke with San Jose during the playoffs. $8 million is a lot of money to take a gamble on him and for an extended length of time. I honestly think Campbell helped us out by turning us down.
I don't understand why everyone is counting them out when the team isn't set and the ice isn't even in place at Phillips Arena. It is only July. There are a lot of moves to be made. Do you honestly think that Tampa Bay, making all these moves, is going to be extremely better. In all honesty you can have all the talent in the world, but you don't know that the team will mesh. Players have egos and attitudes. Too many of those in the locker room can cause problems. So lets just wait and see what happens in Tampa.
Speaking on locker room attitudes. I think one of the downfalls of the 2007-2008 Season for the Thrashers was naming Bobby Holik as captain. A natural leader he isn't. Holik reminds me of a little boy and if he doesn't get his way he takes his ball and goes home. Did you ever notice when there was a questionable call or a penalty and the captain on the other team would go out to center ice to talk to the official, was Holik there for our team? Nope, it would be Recchi or Kovy. Did you ever notice when someone took a shot at our best player and the captain was on the ice, he just skated around like practicing for Disney on Ice and didn't try to help out his team mate? The only good thing about Holik was his face off percentage. His attitude was probably bad in the locker room and now he is New Jersey's problem.
I was a fan of Mark Recchi and I was glad he came to Atlanta after the way the Pens did him. After reading his remarks I lost a little respect from him. These remarks are because he didn't get an offer. So he is trying to play it cool, cause he wasn't going to sign with Atlanta anyway. Nice move Mark. Real classy. He got dumped and can't handle the rejection.
Then there is Zhitnik. I am honestly not sure what went down with him last season, but I think it was along the lines of Hossa-itis. Zhitnik didn't want to be in Atlanta either, so well, he played half assed. He must have said or did something to really tick of Don and the ownership. No love lost I am sure. I do not understand Don's denial of buying him out earlier in June, but I think this was a solid move to allow us to make a move for a more positive influence and someone that wants to play in Atlanta. Good Riddance. But do you think anyone is going to pick Zhitnik up and pay him the millions he THINKS he deserves? NOPE, I see him going to play in Russia.
I must say I am excited about this season, so far we are having a great team shaping up. The D is coming together. Hainsey is an awesome addition, new blood, scoring on the Power Play. And he actually wants to be a Thrasher. He is excited about playing for Anderson. I really feel this is a good move and we have him for awhile. He could be our franchise D-man.
For a while I thought Exelby was, but after last season I am not sure. He seems to be gun shy now and he really needs a freakin hair cut. Let's hope Mama Exelby got out the scissors when he went home.
We have a great new coach with a proven winning approach, we have signed a new D-Man and taken out some of the garbage. If we can get Ilya Nikulin to come here and leave Russia our defense will have made a complete 180. We have young talents thanks to Hossa, Christensen and Armstrong. I really excited to see these guys play a full season and get their confidence in their new team. We just need to get Kovy a play making center, get Slava out of his funk and have two scoring lines instead of one. Not sure what is going to happen between Kari and Pavs, but either one will be solid and then we have Moose as the back up and mentor.
I see us making a play for the playoffs this year. I don't count us out. Things are shaping nicely.
As for Boyle and his comments about being picked up by Atlanta on waivers:
Boyle said he was pushed into waiving his no-trade clause after a member of Bolts management told him if he didn't agree to a trade, he'd be put on waivers and would likely have been claimed by the Thrashers.
"I've been a top guy in ice time the last few years. They call my work ethic into question? I work out to be in the best shape possible and things about me were questioned. It got to the point where my ass was threatened to be put on waivers and I was going to be picked up by a last-place team that wouldn't win for the next six years. You tell me, is that any way to do (bleeping) business?
Well, what goes around comes around buddy. How was it in the bottom of the South East, East and NHL last season? Did you enjoy only the 37 games you played last year and that -29 you had? Hmmm you must have been on the ice for a lot of goals huh? I wonder how many games you will actually be able to play in this year? May you have a wonderful season in San Jose. I can honestly say, Blueland is too good for you.
Atlanta can and will be a hockey town, and I will touch base on that in my next blog before now this is my closing. The Atlanta Thrashers are by no means the worse team in the NHL, they have potential and can have a turn around season just like Philly did last year. Before you pass judgement, wait until November, then lets talk.
Thanks for reading. Feel free to comment and look for my next blog.
During the 2006- 2007 NHL Season, the Philadelphia Flyers played 82 games. They only won 22 of them. They lost 48 of them and lost in overtime 12 times. That season they only brought in 56 points total. They were 15th in the Eastern Conference, dead last. They were 30th in the NHL, dead last.
So after this horrible season, did they call it quits, give up, start training for the ice capades?? NO. At the trade deadline in 2007, the Flyers acquired Scottie Upshall, Ryan Parent, Braydon Coburn, and Marty Biron. Then in the off season they added Kimmo Timonen, Scott Hartnell, Joffrey Lupul, Jason Smith, and Danny Briere.
In the 2007-2008 Season, the Flyers finished 6th in the Eastern Conference with 42 wins, 29 losses, 11 over time losses with 95 points. They were 11th overall in the NHL. Not only did they come that far, they took out Washington in Round 1 and Montreal in Round 2 to get to the Eastern Conference finals only to be knocked out by Pittsburgh.
That is a mighty good turn around. So why is it automatically assumed that the Thrashers aren't going to be able to do it?
After going 0-6 to start the season last year the Thrashers battled back and hung at or around .500 for the majority of the season, until the trade deadline. I do believe that everything with Hossa really screwed the team. The media frenzy, him dogging it all season. Hossa never wanted to be a Thrasher, it was something he was forced in to, tricked if you will. He never made the best of it, if he would have played like he was capable of, who knows how the season may have turned out. He was a negativity in the locker room, even if he wasn't meaning to be. The players knew, the fans knew, it was just a matter of time before he was gone. Though honestly he was gone a lot sooner than February. I can't say I blame the guy for wanting a Cup. That is the goal, but you still need to give it your all night ater night for the team you are with, honestly he checked out during the 2007 playoffs.
Yes I know Don Waddell didn't sign anyone on the first day of free agency, big whoop. He tried. He can't help that these players are so blinded by money and wanting to be in a traditional market that they do not want to give Atlanta a chance. I mean, did we really want Campbell? Yes he is a great defensemen, but he seemed to choke with San Jose during the playoffs. $8 million is a lot of money to take a gamble on him and for an extended length of time. I honestly think Campbell helped us out by turning us down.
I don't understand why everyone is counting them out when the team isn't set and the ice isn't even in place at Phillips Arena. It is only July. There are a lot of moves to be made. Do you honestly think that Tampa Bay, making all these moves, is going to be extremely better. In all honesty you can have all the talent in the world, but you don't know that the team will mesh. Players have egos and attitudes. Too many of those in the locker room can cause problems. So lets just wait and see what happens in Tampa.
Speaking on locker room attitudes. I think one of the downfalls of the 2007-2008 Season for the Thrashers was naming Bobby Holik as captain. A natural leader he isn't. Holik reminds me of a little boy and if he doesn't get his way he takes his ball and goes home. Did you ever notice when there was a questionable call or a penalty and the captain on the other team would go out to center ice to talk to the official, was Holik there for our team? Nope, it would be Recchi or Kovy. Did you ever notice when someone took a shot at our best player and the captain was on the ice, he just skated around like practicing for Disney on Ice and didn't try to help out his team mate? The only good thing about Holik was his face off percentage. His attitude was probably bad in the locker room and now he is New Jersey's problem.
I was a fan of Mark Recchi and I was glad he came to Atlanta after the way the Pens did him. After reading his remarks I lost a little respect from him. These remarks are because he didn't get an offer. So he is trying to play it cool, cause he wasn't going to sign with Atlanta anyway. Nice move Mark. Real classy. He got dumped and can't handle the rejection.
Then there is Zhitnik. I am honestly not sure what went down with him last season, but I think it was along the lines of Hossa-itis. Zhitnik didn't want to be in Atlanta either, so well, he played half assed. He must have said or did something to really tick of Don and the ownership. No love lost I am sure. I do not understand Don's denial of buying him out earlier in June, but I think this was a solid move to allow us to make a move for a more positive influence and someone that wants to play in Atlanta. Good Riddance. But do you think anyone is going to pick Zhitnik up and pay him the millions he THINKS he deserves? NOPE, I see him going to play in Russia.
I must say I am excited about this season, so far we are having a great team shaping up. The D is coming together. Hainsey is an awesome addition, new blood, scoring on the Power Play. And he actually wants to be a Thrasher. He is excited about playing for Anderson. I really feel this is a good move and we have him for awhile. He could be our franchise D-man.
For a while I thought Exelby was, but after last season I am not sure. He seems to be gun shy now and he really needs a freakin hair cut. Let's hope Mama Exelby got out the scissors when he went home.
We have a great new coach with a proven winning approach, we have signed a new D-Man and taken out some of the garbage. If we can get Ilya Nikulin to come here and leave Russia our defense will have made a complete 180. We have young talents thanks to Hossa, Christensen and Armstrong. I really excited to see these guys play a full season and get their confidence in their new team. We just need to get Kovy a play making center, get Slava out of his funk and have two scoring lines instead of one. Not sure what is going to happen between Kari and Pavs, but either one will be solid and then we have Moose as the back up and mentor.
I see us making a play for the playoffs this year. I don't count us out. Things are shaping nicely.
As for Boyle and his comments about being picked up by Atlanta on waivers:
Boyle said he was pushed into waiving his no-trade clause after a member of Bolts management told him if he didn't agree to a trade, he'd be put on waivers and would likely have been claimed by the Thrashers.
"I've been a top guy in ice time the last few years. They call my work ethic into question? I work out to be in the best shape possible and things about me were questioned. It got to the point where my ass was threatened to be put on waivers and I was going to be picked up by a last-place team that wouldn't win for the next six years. You tell me, is that any way to do (bleeping) business?
Well, what goes around comes around buddy. How was it in the bottom of the South East, East and NHL last season? Did you enjoy only the 37 games you played last year and that -29 you had? Hmmm you must have been on the ice for a lot of goals huh? I wonder how many games you will actually be able to play in this year? May you have a wonderful season in San Jose. I can honestly say, Blueland is too good for you.
Atlanta can and will be a hockey town, and I will touch base on that in my next blog before now this is my closing. The Atlanta Thrashers are by no means the worse team in the NHL, they have potential and can have a turn around season just like Philly did last year. Before you pass judgement, wait until November, then lets talk.
Thanks for reading. Feel free to comment and look for my next blog.
12 comments:
For whatever reason, there is a group of people (I won't call them "fans" because they are more about whining than they are about watching hockey) who just like to bash on the Thrashers. Who exactly turned down the opportunity to plan in Atlanta? Not Hossa, he was so intent on going to Detroit that he turned down more money to play with Sidney Crosby. The way the Campbell offers were made, he got more money overall from Atlanta than Chicago, but that's because it was for more years. On a yearly average, Chicago offered $7.1 million/year, Atlanta only $6.7 million/year, so he took the offer for more money, not exactly the case of turning down the opportunity to play here. Recchi was never given an offer, so how can you say he turned us down? Zhitnik is just old now, had nothing to do with his desire to be in this city.
So if no one is exactly turning down the Atlanta Thrashers, stop believing the urban legends that say tier 1 UFAs don't want to come here. Those are just bashers who have nothing better to do but whine. They have no facts to back up those claims.
I didn't say Recchi turned us down, I said he wasn't made an offer so he is trying to save face by saying he wouldn't sign with Atlanta anyway.
Yep Zhitnik is old, but he still could have played better than he did, but his age is why I think him signing with another NHL team is going to be a stretch.
Campbell way overrated.
Oh I didn't mean that you said Recchi turned us down, I was referring to all the people you shouldn't be listening to. As for Boyle, I would take what he said with a grain of salt. He was angry and was just lashing out, not much thought went into that other than that he had a NTC and still got traded.
Campbell is way overpriced. I am glad we are not spending that much on him. Use the extra money on the forwards or towards resigning Kovy. I am also laughing at how all the whiners/bashers are complaining that we haven't gotten a forward yet or had a trade yet. Training camp isn't even close to starting yet, they just want to complain for the sake of complaining.
I agree completely. It seems people were looking for a quick fix instead of a well thought out fix. I am excited to see the new team in October. Campbell was way over priced and not worth it in my opinion.
Thank you for checking out my blog and commenting.
It never makes sense to me when I'm told Hossa "dogged it". He played better defense than any forward in a Thrasher jersey last year. On top of that, he posted almost a point per game. He was also in a contract year, so by telling me Hossa was dogging it, you are telling me either he is stupid or unconcerned with his professional future.
Also, according to Craig Custance (sorry, no link- check The Sporting News, though) the Campbell deal would have averaged 6.7 million a year and the deal was a year or two longer.
Hossa did not play to his full potential in a Thrashers uniform during the 2007-2008 season. If he had, who knows where the team was ended. Yes he was in a contract year, and he seemed to play pretty well infront of teams like Detroit, remember his hat trick. He was a one man show that night, why didn't he play like that every night?
You lose all credibility with that statement. Why can't Hossa get a hat trick every night? Because he's human. Why didn't Ilya play defense? I refuse to believe he cannot play defense. He just doesn't play it very well. How often do you see him backcheck? Under John Anderson, Kovy will be expected to play defense. I hope it works out.
Also, Slava had a career year 06-07, as did Hossa. That is no coincidence. Slava was absent this year and Hossa still put up almost a point per game. I think that attests to Marian's skill level. Say what you want about his motivation or lack thereof, be we watched two different players out there. I'm of the impression that the Hossa-haters are a bitter bunch.
Know that what I have said isn't meant to be critical of Kovy, but to point out that Hossa was a complete player out there, whereas our Czar was not. I also acknowledge that Hossa disappears from the scoreboard for long stretches, but he did the same thing in 06-07 (and, if you look back, the same throughout his career).
I am a fan of Hossa, not a Hossa hater. I wanted the guy to get his Cup and maybe that will happen with the Redwings. I am just saying that he did not play to his full potential with the Thrashers last season, of course the man can't score a hat trick everynight, but I was saying he turned it up a notch or two against teams he really wanted to impress and play for. The thing about being human is that all players will have a bad game now and then, Kovy included. I am saying that Hossa knew at the beginning of training camp last season he would not be a Thrashers player at the end of the season and he didn't give it is all. The thing is that his natural talent still helped him score and build up points even when he wasn't trying his hardest. Not saying anything against the guy, he is a great player.
Maryanna=Justin... I'm using my girlfriend's computer.
By no means will I boo Hossa when he comes back to town. The people who boo former players are the same people who yell "knights" during the national anthem. They hold on to the past, otherwise why would they pay respect to a long gone Tampa Bay minor league affiliate.
Yes Hossa knew his performance would make his next contract, hence the great game against Detriot and his outstanding playoff performance, just to name a couple of examples. Hossa's price went up during the playoffs. If he hadn't be on during the playoffs this year and played like he had in his previous playoff experiences the offers may not have been as high. I hope he gets his cup with the Redwings, he deserves it. He made the best choice for himself.
That's a different argument for a different day. On the Hossa front, I guess we'll agree to disagree. Good luck on the blogging venture anonymous, I'll be back.
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